Reflections on MLC’s Silver Anniversary: Anniversary Worship
Same Jesus, Same Grace
We’re celebrating 25 years of ministerial training at Martin Luther College!
We also recognize 150+ years of ministerial training in our synod:
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary 1863-present
Northwestern College 1865-1895
Dr. Martin Luther College 1884-1995
Homecoming Celebratory Service
During Homecoming weekend, the campus family celebrated the first of our anniversary services this year.
In this communion service, MLC President Rich Gurgel presided, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary President Earle Treptow preached on the theme of Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
The service included a recorded video greeting from WELS President Mark Schroeder:
Twenty-five years ago when Martin Luther College was about to open its doors for the first time, there were so many questions.
What will this new college be like? How will it be organized? What will the curriculum be? Will it be able to continue to produce the number of candidates for ministry needed by the synod? How well will the students in the pastor track and teacher track get along? Will there be too many marriages by undergraduate students? Will the members of the synod embrace this new school?
Now, after 25 years, these questions have been answered. And we thank God that they have been answered in a way that demonstrates God’s rich blessings on this school and on our synod. Today, 25 years later, MLC has been embraced and supported by the people of our synod as our WELS College of Ministry. Enrollment at MLC continues to be strong, with our WELS young people attending in good and consistent numbers to prepare for a lifetime of service in the church. The pastor track continues to produce young men who are well prepared for continuing at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; the teacher and staff ministry programs produce graduates who are well qualified to serve our synod. Having future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers studying and working together on one campus builds relationships that will last a lifetime.
This anniversary is a time to say “thank you.” First of all, we thank God for blessing this school and enabling it to carry out its purpose faithfully. We thank the faculty and staff of MLC for 25 years of faithful and dedicated service. We thank the students of MLC, now and in years past, for coming to MLC and saying, “Here am I, send me!” And we thank the members of our synod who have embraced and supported this school with their prayers and offerings.
We pray with confidence that God will continue to bless this school as it continues to prepare our future called workers to be ambassadors for our Savior.
WELS President Mark Schroeder
